Benet Academy

It s hard to believe that my child's four-year experience at Benet is coming to a close. I can remember his first visit to Benet a fall shadow day when he returned home with the biggest smile and certainty that Benet was his future home for high school. From his earliest freshman orientation meetings to last week s prom, the Administration, the teachers and his fellow students have embraced him into the Benet community and deepened his passion for learning, his sense of community, his perception of responsibility and his faith. I m so proud of the Administration s and the teachers commitment to excellence and their insistence on creating programs that appeal to the broad interests of the student body. Thank You Benet for your contribution to my child's growth and for preparing him for the next chapters of his life.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current junior, and the arrogance everyone seems to have mentioned is completely false. Parents commenting on how they sense arrogance in the parking lot is ridiculous... judging a book by it's cover much? The students are not arrogant at all, and I come from a "have not" family. My dad works two jobs to send me and my siblings here, and I don't feel any different than the rich kids (while there certainly are many.) Really, the arrogance rumor is ridiculous. I love Benet, and highly recommend it to any parent considering it. I knew two people coming into Benet, and now I have a completely different friend group which was easy to make. Seriously, send your kids to Benet...
—Submitted by a student

I have sent 3 of my children to Benet and I am very pleased with the results both academically and morally. We are not a rich family, in fact none of the families from our grade school that sent our children to Benet are to be considered rich. We wanted a school that provided strong academics, discipline, and values. We received all of that. All 3 of my children were different, the one that was not a strong academic going in was a strong academic coming out. They had friends from all economic backgrounds and it was never an issue. Sure there are people there that are wealthy, but I found most of them to be friendly, outgoing and generous. The teachers truly care about the students and will help in any way they can. I will always remember those years with gratitude for what my children received.
—Submitted by a parent

As an academic scholar coming to this country where I met my wife and settled, foundation in education is priority in my list as a parent. Even choosing the city where to raise my family, I did my research as far as school's report cards. I have a son who is now a freshman and another who graduated 2 years ago at Benet. I'll be lying if I say I didn't have worries about the environment of rich kids for my sons, but it proved to be wrong. The friendly and warm environment in school both for students and parents, is one me and my wife can attest to. The students are academically challenged, yet they make almost every student involved. The faculty make sure that the students are getting ready for college life academically and socially. My son ended up going to one of the county's elite program in the field of his endeavor. I told my sons that they will not inherit any wealth from me when I'm gone that's why I'm giving it to them now... the best education that I can afford for them. Benet is an excellent environment both for children and parent. I highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough great things about Benet Academy! Benet provides an excellent education and a wholesome environment with morally sound students!
—Submitted by a parent

We are a relatively new family to Benet and I'm pleased to say that the school lives up to very high standards. In regards to the opinion stated below about the cliques and wealthy families, I just don't see this type of arrogance at the school. Our family is not wealthy by any means and we make great sacrifices to send our child to school at Benet. While there are very wealthy families there, I believe this invites insecurity only if you let it. We have raised our children to believe that many different attributes define a person's character, personal wealth is not one of them. The school certainly reinforces these values. Perhaps this is why he finds the other children extremely friendly and sociable. I would encourage any family considering Benet to let their child shadow for one or two visits. My son was "sold" on the idea of Benet Academy as a result of the passion and instruction provided by the teachers. He remains equally enthusiastic to this day.
—Submitted by a parent

Benet is a very good school for academics, but has a real problem with cliques and wealthy families (and students) making others feel out of place. It lacks "heart" and compassion in my opinion. With so many other great options like Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove and Glen Ellyn schools, Benet has more of a country club attitude and less that of an inclusive school.
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated and I couldn't be more proud. To say that arrogence blooms here is a joke. It doesn't matter what school you get accepted to, it is about what you plan to accomplish. Our valedictorian could have easily gotten into harvard or yale but chose to go to notre dame instead. It is also unfair to blame the entire school for having bad attitudes because of the parents. To be honest, this is high school it is not about the parents. Benet is a great place with amazing teachers and a sense of community that is hard to find anywhere else.
—Submitted by a student

I am also a junior at Benet, and I have to say that I have enjoyed my experience thus far. Although most of my friends attended Naperville Central after middle school, I was able to quickly get involved and make many new friendships. I won't deny that there is a sense of arrogance at Benet, but it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Personally, I think that the stereotype of Benet students being rich brats, while true in some cases, is unfair. Most of us are hard-working, engaged students.
—Submitted by a student

I am a current Junior at Benet and I could not be happier. I will be honest and say that the elitism and arrogance mentioned by others is not prevalent in my Benet experience. I have some friends who are "haves," yet they are some of the most humble and hardworking people I know. I also have friends who are not as wealthy ("have-nots," if you wish) and their characters are no different. I feel that if you get involved in an activity or club (I am in band), it is easy to make friends quickly. Benet has a reputation of being a place for rich brats, but I couldn't disagree with this stereotype more. I can vouch for the characters of my classmates as being humble, engaged in learning, hardworking, and willing to help. It is an awesome community and the teachers are so amazingly helpful and committed to their students. I could not see myself at any other high school. I highly suggest that you do not base your decision on the reputation of Benet Academy, but go and explore the school for yourself. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. Oh, one tip for Freshman - Get involved! It's a great way to meet people and is definitely worth the effort!
—Submitted by a student

It's a shame that a parent has noted that Benet is a place where "arrogance blossoms." My son is a Benet graduate ('05) and a Harvard graduate ('09). He is currently an algorithmic trader but he is most proud of volunteering as a math tutor at a poorly performing public high school. (As parents, we need to be cautious about what colors our perceptions and judgement lest we pass them on to our children and undermine the value of our faith.)
—Submitted by a parent

I am a recent Benet grad and could not speak more highly of the school. I came into the school not knowing anyone, but quickly involved myself in extracurriculars and had a solid group of friends before school even started. It was a great feeling to be constantly greeted in the hallways by teammates and fellow musicians on my first day. Benet has an amazing family atmosphere. It saddens me to read the negative comments about Benet on this website. However, I would like to point out that not a single student has said anything negative about Benet. Benet had a profound impact on my life. I found my closest friends in the hallways, inspiring teachers in the classrooms and love within our Benet family. My hope is for my children to also go to Benet, because you can't understand or appreciate the magic that happens there until you have experienced it yourself. If you are a parent researching high schools, I highly recommend Benet. It was the best decision I ever made. IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A REDWING!
—Submitted by a student

Benet is a place where arrogance blossoms. All one need do is observe in the parking lot at pickup and dropoff. Not only are the kids arrogant, the parents are arrogant, and even the person who answers the phone is arrogant. It's pervasive. Benet is similarly positioned to Naperville Schools academically, where there are both haves and have nots. Perusing the list of colleges the latest graduating class would be attending, there wasn't one Harvard, one Yale or one Princeton. So what gives rise to the arrogance at this school is a mystery.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a Benet grad and we would certainly financially qualify as a "have not" family in the Benet community. However, I quickly came to realize that this was only an issue if I choose to make it one. My son was my best role-model for that attitude!! It is foolish to believe that there are no financial differences in Public HS. I can speak on this because I teach in a Public HS. My son THRIVED socially and academically and is very prepared for college. Despite the "homogenous" student body some observe at Benet, the teachers did a fantastic job of teaching real-world awareness to my son. Benet prepared him to be a logical and moral decision maker. If all teachers were allowed to set high standards for their students and teach in the same passionate way of Benet's, this would be a different (better) country!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm currently a Benet freshman, almost sophmore. Choosing high schools, I never though I would of ended up at Benet. I really liked another school but when I shadowed there and went to the open house something just clicked. Benet's a fantastic school for academics as well as meeting new and diverse groups of people. Here, we're allowed to get to know students from around the area, not just our neighborhood. Academics are very difficult but we try as hard as we can to be good at them. Everyone knows one another and even though we are clicky, its probably less clicky then some public schools. I can be best friends with some people and have other friends who don't ever talk with them. Also, the teachers are very nice and care a lot about their students. Any attitude taken away from Benet will be a good one.
—Submitted by a student

Academics are strong. However, the strongest things about the school are the elitism and sense of entitlement to which the students become acculturated. Benet might help my student's chances of admission to a Catholic college, but I am concerned about the attitudes he will take away from Benet.
—Submitted by a parent

Extremely hard, but extremely rewarding also. Rigorous academics, big workloads, passionate teachers, and great atmosphere consistently make Benet the top-ranked school in Illinois.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a current benet junior. When considering high schools as an eigth grader, benet was low on my list. I thought of benet students as rich snobs. When I started at benet, however, I was suprised at how wrong I was! I was in band, and everytime we went out to eat or just to hang out, all the upperclassman would ask the freshman and sophmores if they needed rides. The people at benet are truly thoughtful and kind. The teachers are extremely intelligent and thought-provoking. The overall atmosphere at benet is incredible. I'm so glad my parents sent me to benet...it has shaped my life in so many fanstastic ways. While the circumlum is tough, I have learned so much. I have made lifelong friends. Benet is a extraordinary school and I would strongly recommend sending your child there.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a student at Benet Academy. I do not come from the richest family in the world, but I am still well liked among my peers and enjoy social popularity. These reviewers who are saying things like, 'the culture is a very favorable to high income students and 'the haves'' obviously do not attend the school and have no idea what they are talking about. Benet students are wholesome, kind and accepting individuals. The academics are rigorous but not impossible. I was in two honors classes this year and got As in both, while participating in sports and social activities. Benet is an excellent school all around.
—Submitted by a student

Great school with very dedicated, experienced teachers and well rounded, academically motivated students.
—Submitted by a parent